Moments that live forever
The start of a day for me is always very similar. A period of time where I am either very excited or like most of the time, pissed off I woke up so late. However, one of the things that gets me out of bed is my girlfriend Kayla. A simple facetime call and smile is one of the best ways to wake up.
Today was different, while the smile and the “get up you dingus” were all the same. The spontaneous question to do what we have been wanting to do for so long. Lit a flame inside of both of us and my answer was, “yes”.
To get out of the dark and drafty concrete prison that is my room. I walk up a old squeaky stair case to the blinding light that greets my eyes. One of the things I love about being a photographer is lighting. Lighting is one of the most powerful things in life, it effects emotion and even how we think. That transition of walking out of the dark is like banishing the life sucking demons shaped as baggage I carry with a holy divine light.
Thankfully light comes in all shapes and sizes and my breakfast is accompanied by a flower who soaks up the sun more then any other. I usually eat Two Eggos waffles sometimes three, slathered in peanut butter. What can be better then carbs covered in peanut butter?
However, the thing about Kay and I are that we suck at getting ready quickly. I blame the addictive nature of Tik Tok but that is just a theory. But it always seems like she waits until I get there to do anything.
This intersection has been in my life for as long as I have know. I have been every which way. I have taken every turn and even as it changes the memories rest where they lay. Like that time my friend Cam and I tried to buy lighters at Sunoco when we were 8 because we wanted to light candles in a fort he made. Or that time I came to this same Pride gas station with my mom to get milk and I ended up forgetting it on the counter after paying for it. It is interesting how an intersection can be such a intersection in a persons life.
I don't know if you can tell that she loves me by the way she has greeted me. With her shovel full of warm embrace and a smile so devilish the devil himself with get a shiver.
Since it was noon by the time we finally saw each other it was time for lunch. The night prior we had gone out for pizza while it was snowing. I drove since I have a Subaru.
People always get so nervous driving in a snow storm. For me its beautiful and I find it easy to get lost in the large flakes floating past the head lights sparkling as the light bounces off them. Snow has a quietness that is unlike any other.
We first stopped at Learning Express toys in Westborough, about a hour drive from her house. She was practically buzzing in anticipation. For those that don’t know this is one of the best places in New England to get Squishmalllows and yes she has a slight addiction.
But who ever said toy stores are for kids? I stepped foot in and my heart skipped a beat the minute I realized they had a section dedicated to fidget toys. As a ADHD diagnosed young adult my heart melted like it would when you see a cute puppy. I was pacing around the store like I was six with my arms filled with different things I definitely did need in my life but never had.
Kay didn’t get one or two but three! Just like light, joy also comes in all shapes and sizes. But honestly how can you not find joy in something that squishes. If our hands were made for one thing it was for sure to squish things. I had to have her take away all of my new fidget toys because my hands started to hurt and I couldn’t stop.
Our second stop was in Worcester at a place called Seed to Stem and it is basically a Boho (Bohemian) paradise. Kay found it on Tik Tok of course and its right up both our alleys. While I like a more industrial boho style with more darks and plants for a pop of green and life. Kay is opposite with liking whites and Boho minimalism with lots plants. However, I am all over the place when it comes to style of any sort. I have this fascination with vibrant color just like the NEE DOH I bought. The other day I bought a 10 inch tall rubber duck for my room because it was just so me. There are now four rubber ducks in my room.
Sadly when you find cool places especially on social media like Tik Tok which gets millions and millions of views daily. Its hard to be the only one who wants to go. Which going on a Saturday a hour before closing probably wasn’t the best idea. I feel like this image captures the feeling of waiting in line for something you are excited about.
What I always think is funny is that I put myself in a hypocritical and some what ironic thought process in my head. I start to think like “I hate people why are they here” but at the same time I showed up for the same thing. Its funny but sad but I’m glad I have greater awareness to see my flawed thoughts.
I feel like this image could do the whole store justice. You walk in and get slapped into the face with the smell of incense. Surprisingly less over powering then a LUSH store. It almost feels like you have been transported to a tropical place or like anywhere in South America. Statues of taxidermy animals such as a black bear and wolves, stand as center pieces around the room. With each section being unique with different goods. Crystals, rocks, candles, plants and you name it, it was there. They even had Opened ostrich eggs for $30.
Here is another view looking from a little off shoot where all the cacti were. We came out of the store buying a couple crystals and plants. We will be going back and I recommend for anyone to go. But go on the weekdays not when it is about to close. We waited in line for like 45 mins.
The last store we went to was a Walmart down the road. Which was probably the biggest Walmart I've ever seen and I've seen some big Walmart's. You actually had to put some effort in walking across the store and it had everything imaginable. However, what it didn’t have was the squishmallows Kay was looking for. So we were one for two for the day.
This is where our little day trip adventure ended. In the arms of Kay’s family who were very happy to see us. We also were serenaded with food from her grandmother. I love food, and her whole family knows this so I’m always the one they tell to get more. While coming home to the atmosphere of a inviting family reunion is one of peak comfort. When I sat down on the coach for the first time, it was as if my soul left my body. Now that is a good day to me.
